Archives for December 2016

I think I blinked and 2016 flew by… it was a year full of many changes.

I was accepted to Law School and ultimately decided to accept a job offer working full-time in banking.

I also celebrated the ONE YEAR anniversary of this blog in October!!! Wow, what a journey it has been. Thank you to all of you who read my blog on a consistent or occasional basis and thank you for connecting with me on an authentic, real level.

I hope each of you have an amazing, exciting and Happy New Year! 🙂

I am not a big fan of making New Year’s Resolutions. I have personal and professional goals I set for myself that I like to keep track of, but when a New Year begins I like to think of it more as a time of reflection and a time to commit to new habits or principles than hard and fast resolutions like “loseten pounds” or “get a promotion” or “never drink soda again.”

Here are 7 Habits worth implementing in the New Year…

ONE

Authenticity

Now that I’ve graduated college, I really feel that I am growing into my own skin more. I like who I am, I’m proud of my achievements and I’m so very excited to continue to experience my life.

I’ve realized I am much more of an introvert than I previously thought and I’ve begun to embrace that rather than always trying to be outgoing or social when I don’t want to be.

Whatever being “authentic” means to you – you should recognize it and embrace your true nature. I really think you’ll be so much happier.

TWO

Honor Your Committments

If you are over the age of 21 – if you make plans with someone, even if it is just for a coffee date, drinks after work, brunch on the weekend, etc. STICK TO IT.

There is nothing worse than having limited free time and wanting to spend time with someone and them bailing at the last second, it is disrespectful, makes you look like you have no manners and hurts the feelings of the person you have bailed on.

When I was in college and had a more flexible schedule I was so guilty of making plans with someone and rescheduling at the last minute because I was managing my own time poorly and something came up, I needed to study extra for an exam, I slept in, I wanted to go to the grocery store, etc. a million silly excuses.

Now that I work full-time, I am much more respectful of people’s time and expect them to give me the same kindness.

THREE

Value Your Time

On the same note as honoring your commitments, make sure you value your own time. Just say no to things you don’t want to do, don’t make you happy, or will cause you unnecessary stress or hardship.

There will always be another event, party, brunch, church outing, etc. to go to.

FOUR

Self-Care

Whatever it is that relaxes you or brings you joy, make time for that as often as you can. If you enjoy reading at the end of a long day, try to have a book on your kindle or on your nightstand, if you like taking a hot bath, if you like working out, etc.

Make time to take care of yourself mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically and you will be at 100 percent for everything and everyone else in your life.

FIVE

Smart Financial Decisions

Build good credit.

Stay out of debt.

Invest in your education.

Don’t buy things you can’t afford.

I want to do a series on good financial habits and investment choices for young professionals. Let me know in the comments if this is something you’d be interested in!!

SIX

Tip Well

If you can afford to go out to eat, you can afford to tip a minimum of 15-20 percent on top of what your dinner cost.

A grateful and generous heart has more benefit than just enriching the pockets of the person you have blessed.

SEVEN

Scheduling

If I write something on my calendar or planner I am much more likely to complete it or do it than if I just have an ambitious plan.

This applies to trips you want to take, dreams, and even just planing out your week so that you are productive.

Planning + Scheduling is #1. I recommend having a paper planner and a digital planner that synchs with your phone.

You will be happier and less stressed when you can look at your calendar at the beginning of the month and be predictive of how you need to manage your time and life to get what you want accomplished.

You can’t move forward if you don’t know what you are moving towards.

Are there any good habits that you swear by? Is there anything you think should be added to this list?